The Little One Is Dreaming, Etude

Paul Gauguin, a pivotal figure in Post-Impressionism and Symbolism, created "The Little One Is Dreaming, Etude" in 1881, a period when he was still balancing his career as a stockbroker with his burgeoning artistic passion. This early work predates his iconic move to Tahiti and his development of the vivid, Synthetist style that would define his later career. At this time, Gauguin was still exhibiting with the Impressionists and was mentored by Camille Pissarro, whose influence might be subtly seen in the brushwork or subject matter. While the title suggests an intimate, domestic scene, the term "Etude" indicates it might have been a study or a preparatory work, allowing him to experiment with form and color. This piece offers a glimpse into Gauguin's formative years as an artist, before his dramatic break from European conventions and his pursuit of what he perceived as a more 'primitive' and spiritual existence in the South Pacific, a journey that would lead to masterpieces like "Mahana no atua (Day of the God)" and "Ia Orana Maria (Hail Mary)." It stands as a testament to his early engagement with art before he fully committed to painting as his life's path following the financial crisis of 1882.